A popular diet regime is based on eating raw, unprocessed foods instead of cooked or processed ones. Processed foods are considered those that come from cans or jars. In general, the foods consumed on this diet are mostly fruits and vegetables. Some adherents also eat some meats, eggs and diary products. There is some controversy surrounding this kind of diet, so make sure you do your research before making any large changes to your lifestyle.

Why?

The primary benefit many people believe this diet offers is the improved efficiency in digestion. Eating raw or unprocessed foods allows the body to better break down the foods for their nutrients, without the fats and oils commonly used in the cooking process. Additionally, eating unprocessed foods allows your body to flush out all the chemicals used in modern food preparation.

Keep in Mind

There are some things you need to be aware of though. First of all, there are some foods that can be hazardous if eaten raw. Buckwheat, kidney beans and rhubarb all have potential health hazards when eaten uncooked in quantity. Also, unprocessed foods can have the highest concentration of pesticides, so be sure to wash the food properly before eating it. Finally, eating a vegetarian diet may lack certain essential vitamins so you may need to consider vitamin supplements. As with any diet or health related issue, it is always wise to consult a physician before making any drastic changes in your lifestyle. While there are undoubtedly many health benefits to be gained by increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables there may be concerns as well.